What makes Hex Enduction Hour by The Fall notable?

Hex Enduction Hour received significant acclaim upon its release, often cited as one of The Fall's best works and a high point in their discography. The album has influenced countless alternative and post-punk artists, with tracks like Hip Priest gaining recognition for their unique lyrical content and structure, further cementing The Fall's reputation as innovators in the genre. Released on March 8, 1982, Hex Enduction Hour is The Fall's sixth studio album, showcasing their evolution into a more experimental sound following the critical success of their previous album, Grotesque (After the Gramme). By this time, frontman Mark E. Smith had solidified his role as the band's central figure amidst numerous lineup changes, establishing a distinct identity for The Fall within the post-punk landscape.

Who is Hex Enduction Hour for?

Hex Enduction Hour works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long, immersive listening sessions and wave-like pacing and builds.

How many songs are on Hex Enduction Hour?

Hex Enduction Hour has 13 tracks, running approximately 71 minutes.

Hex Enduction Hour

The Fall · 1982

71 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A chaotic blend of post-punk rhythms and enigmatic lyricism, creating a sound that's both confrontational and oddly hypnotic.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hip Priest — This track exemplifies The Fall’s distinctive sound with its driving bassline and cryptic lyrics, reflecting Mark E. Smith's sharp social critique.
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Jawbone and the Air-Rifle — The song features jagged instrumentation that mirrors the disjointed narrative style, illustrating the band's ability to blend punk energy with avant-garde sensibilities.
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Who Makes the Nazis? — This track stands out for its provocative title and incisive commentary on societal issues, showcasing Smith’s talent for merging humor with serious themes.
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Just Step S'ways — With its repetitive hooks and surreal lyrics, this song captures the essence of The Fall's experimental approach while maintaining an infectious groove.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album's experimental structure and unique sound make it a standout in alternative rock.

What we noticed

The album opens with a driving rhythm in 'The Classical', establishing a post-punk energy that persists throughout.
Tracks often feature abrupt transitions, such as the shift from 'Hip Priest' to 'Fortress / Deer Park', which combines spoken word and chaotic instrumentation.
Several tracks, including 'Mere Pseud Mag. Ed.' and 'Who Makes the Nazis?', utilize repetitive motifs that create a hypnotic effect despite their confrontational lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
wave-like pacing and builds
hypnotic rhythmic exploration

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on March 8, 1982, Hex Enduction Hour is The Fall's sixth studio album, showcasing their evolution into a more experimental sound following the critical success of their previous album, Grotesque (After the Gramme). By this time, frontman Mark E. Smith had solidified his role as the band's central figure amidst numerous lineup changes, establishing a distinct identity for The Fall within the post-punk landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: Wire· Gang of Four· The Birthday Party